from rags to riches

13 August 2009

Sydney based artisanal framing and mirror studio Marinarto has launched a sub-brand specialising in high end product made from recycled components.

Founder Mark Marinato said the range, dubbed 'ReFinery', was born of his interest in environmentally friendly product.

"I wondered how we could meld the desire that many people still have for unique, limited production works, with a focus on recycled or re-thought materials, and after experimenting with end-of-run and recycled fabrics - bought mainly through liquidation companies - we came up with ReFinery; it's a kind of 'rags to riches' story."

"Basically we utilise discarded - but obviously clean and visually interesting and tactile - fabrics which we bond to recycled timber or frames to create the required look. So while we can reduce cost and environmental impact, we don't lose wonderful individuality or important structural or material integrity."

With the introduction of ReFinery, the studio now had a complementary range focused on the use of recycled, planet/people friendly materials, in tune with a more aware lifestyle.

Marinarto "The amalgamation of exquisitely designed and detailed frames or surfaces with such a dynamic compound as mirrored glass satisfies both the artistic and practical wants of any decorator's brief."

Marinarto and ReFinery are on display at online showcase Stylefile, a portal designed to drive international sales of Australian designs and products. Their presence on Stylefile has resulted in a number of private commissions from overseas.